Pas Messi's goal lifts Inter Miami past Miranchuk's Atlanta in MLS playoff opener
Atlanta United's playoff run came to an end on Monday, as Gonzalo Higuaín canceled out Luiz Araújo's opener before Messi (no relation to Lionel) netted the winner for Miami.
Aleksei Miranchuk started for Atlanta and played 65 minutes, but the Russian couldn't help his side avoid defeat.
Atlanta started the game brightly, and it was no surprise when they took the lead in the 10th minute. Araújo's low drive from just outside the area ended up in the back of the net after a neat one-two with Thiago Almada.
Miami hit back just seven minutes later, however. Higuaín pounced on a loose ball in the area and fired home to level the scores.
The match continued to be played at a high tempo, and both sides had chances to take the lead before the break. The second half was more even, with neither side able to create clear-cut opportunities. It looked as though the game was heading for extra time, but Messi popped up with a winner in the 83rd minute.
The Argentine forward found himself in space on the edge of the area and curled a low shot into the bottom corner. It was a moment of brilliance from Messi, and it proved to be the winning goal as Miami held on to secure a 2-1 victory.
